Wilmington man sentenced for robbery and firearm charges

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — In federal court, a Wilmington man was sentenced to 27 years in prison Thursday.

According to a news release, Aaron Monroe, 41, was charged him with Robbery of a Business Engaged in Interstate Commerce, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On Oct. 1, 2012, Monroe pleaded guilty to those charges.

Investigators said on Dec. 7, 2011, Monroe, along with his father, Victor McClain, armed with a firearm and a BB gun, robbed Game Giant in Wilmington. Investigators said Monroe and McClain pretended to be customers until the store clerk appeared to be alone. Then, they got out their guns, and demanded money. Unbeknownst to Monroe, there were still two customers in the store. So, he robbed them as well. After that, investigators said Monroe and McClain forced the victims into a bathroom and barricaded the door with a shelf.